How You Can Use CBD to Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is notoriously tough. Anxiety, cravings, and the habitual hand-to-mouth motion 

make it one of the hardest addictions to crack. When most people ultimately decide they’re ready to quit, they either go cold turkey or spend a bunch of money on patches and gum. 

However, research is now finding that long-time nicotine users may be able to use CBD to quit smoking. Here’s how CBD may be the right quitting mechanism for you.

What Makes Quitting Smoking So Tough?

To understand why people need certain tools to help them quit smoking, we must first understand why the act of quitting is so difficult in the first place. 

For starters, nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet. Unlike procrastinating or biting your nails, this habit has a lot to do with your body chemistry. People who attempt to quit smoking cold turkey say they experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, mood swings, poor concentration, and intense cravings. 

These symptoms can often drive former smokers to relapse. 

Nicotine replacement therapy has thus far been one of the most successful approaches, and studies show that it helps increase the chances a nicotine addict quits by around 50% to 70%. 

However, some smokers still struggle. That’s why there’s been so much interest as of late in the use of CBD to quit smoking. Research suggests that it uses a novel approach to target the biological, physiological, and behavioral aspects of nicotine addiction. 

A Deeper Look at the Research of Using CBD to Quit Smoking

CBD and Nicotine Metabolism

One pivotal study from a group of researchers at Washington State University recently found that CBD slows the breakdown of nicotine by inhibiting the CYP2A6 enzyme, the exact enzyme that helps convert nicotine into cotinine. 

Cotinine is a metabolite that acts as a marker for nicotine use. 

Since CBD slows the process down, the body is able to maintain nicotine levels for longer, giving it more time for cravings to kick in. This CBD and nicotine interaction could be a major turning point for users whose urges are making it hard to quit.

Real-World Evidence

In some earlier trials, including a small-scale study from 2013, participants using CBD inhalers smoked around 40% fewer cigarettes during treatment. Though this is far from definitive proof that CBD makes quitting easier, it shows that it has the potential to limit the number of cigarettes an individual may consume in a real-world setting. 

Anxiety and Inflammation

One of the big selling points of CBD is its relaxation properties. Many of our customers here at Rogue Origin say it helps them practice better mindfulness. As we know, cigarette smokers often light up to manage the stresses of life. And, as evidence suggests, CBD may be able to help reduce this tension during withdrawals. 

The Benefits of Using CBD to Quit Smoking

CBD is more accessible than it ever has been, which is the number one reason smokers are beginning to see it as a legitimate tool to kick the habit. But why would anyone choose to use it over traditional quitting methods?

• It eases cravings: By slowing nicotine metabolism, CBD has the potential to stretch the period between your desires for a cigarette.

• Aids in relaxation: With CBD’s anti-anxiety effects, you get a lot of the same relief you might seek from a cigarette without the addictive properties.

• Supports lung health: While the jury is still out on the matter, there are promising studies that highlight CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties in the case of lung health.

• It replaces the habit: If you use CBD prerolls or vapes, it mimics the act of smoking. Because the ritual can be one of the hardest things to let go of, you can use CBD to attain that same psychological comfort. 

CBD also has a strong safety profile in terms of dependence and abuse potential, according to the World Health Organization. And while we still need more information on CBD and nicotine interaction in a broader metabolic context to see what role they play with liver enzymes, we have thus far yet to see any negative results. 

How to Use CBD When Quitting

If you ultimately decide to use CBD to quit smoking, you don’t have to smoke it. Sure, a vape or preroll will mimic that hand-to-mouth ritual we’ve talked so much about, but the beauty of CBD is that it comes in many forms, perfect for those who want to quit smoking entirely.

Tinctures and gummies have become wildly popular over the past decade, and because they’re more discreet, they can be taken at any time throughout the day. These are great for smokers who often find themselves having cravings at work or social gatherings. 

It’s also worth noting that CBD does not have to be used to quit smoking on its own. Many people find success with NRT, counseling support apps, or community groups, so why not combine them for the best chance of success? 

We like to think of it as a team approach. CBD can help curb the cravings and anxiety, while more communicative strategies can be used to reinforce your plan.

What We Still Don’t Know About CBD and Nicotine Interaction

While the science behind the claim of using CBD to quit smoking is promising, it’s still not conclusive. There are a few things we still aren’t sure about. For instance:

• Most studies surrounding CBD and nicotine interaction involve lab tests or small groups. As larger clinical trials pop up, we’ll get a better gauge on whether or not the science is definitive. 
• There still aren’t many studies surrounding the long-term impacts of CBD use for smoking cessation. 
• While CBD may help proven cessation methods, it still can’t be said whether or not it’s a replacement. 

Breaking the Habit with CBD

There’s a classic joke out there that goes something like:

“Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it hundreds of times.”

The unfunny bit is just how true that sentiment rings for so many. Luckily, the industry is hard at work to try to show just how effective CBD can be to quit smoking, especially alongside other proven strategies. 

Curious how CBD might play a role in your quitting journey? Our premium, farm-grown, USDA-certified hemp flower from Rogue Origin might be the answer. Take a look at our high-quality CBD trim and prerolls, or learn more about how you can order in bulk and save big.

We hope to be a helping hand in kicking the habit for good.